Store images at point of capture

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for capturing, processing, storing, and generating images of a check. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive an unprocessed image of a check; store the unprocessed image, wherein the unprocessed image is accessible to an agent associated with the apparatus and is not accessible to a user of an account associated with the check; process the unprocessed image to create a processed image; store the processed image, wherein the processed image is accessible to the agent and is accessible to the user.

BACKGROUND

When an entity (e.g. a financial institution) receives high volumes ofimages of financial documents (checks, lease documents, deposit slips,or the like), there is a need to capture, process, store, and generatethe images as efficiently as possible.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, andcomputer program products for capturing, processing, storing, andgenerating images of a check. In some embodiments, an apparatus isprovided for enabling access to an image of a check. The apparatuscomprises: a memory; a processor; and a module stored in the memory,executable by the processor, and configured to: receive an unprocessedimage of a check; store the unprocessed image, wherein the unprocessedimage is accessible to an agent associated with the apparatus and is notaccessible to a user of an account associated with the check; processthe unprocessed image to create a processed image; store the processedimage, wherein the processed image is accessible to the agent and isaccessible to the user.

In some embodiments, receiving the unprocessed image further comprisescapturing the unprocessed image.

In some embodiments, processing the unprocessed image further comprisescreating a thumbnail version of the unprocessed image.

In some embodiments, processing the unprocessed image further comprisescollecting check information.

In some embodiments, the check information comprises text or an image.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to store the checkinformation in an archive.

In some embodiments, processing the unprocessed image further comprisesprocessing the unprocessed image of the check in less than or equal tothree days.

In some embodiments, processing the unprocessed image comprises at leastone of: selectively processing individual pieces of check informationassociated with the unprocessed image based on each type of checkinformation; processing multiple pieces of check information associatedwith the unprocessed image substantially simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to enable theagent to edit individual pieces of check information associated with theunprocessed image during the processing of the unprocessed image.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to determine theauthenticity of the user or the user's habits by cross-referencing theunprocessed image with a database of customer accounts, frequenttransactions, or security answers.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to enable editingof the check information.

In some embodiments, processing the unprocessed image further comprisestreating the image.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to communicatewith a second apparatus.

In some embodiments, the second apparatus includes at least one of amobile device, an offsite server, an internal server, a new memorylocation, a datastore, or an archive.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to create areference as an index for the stored image, wherein the referencefunctions as an index to locate the stored image.

In some embodiments, the reference comprises a sequence number or aunique identification number.

In some embodiments, processing the unprocessed image comprises resizingor changing a resolution of the unprocessed image to create theprocessed image.

In some embodiments, the module is further configured to associate theunprocessed image with the processed image.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for enabling access to animage of a check. The method comprises: receiving an unprocessed imageof a check; storing the unprocessed image, wherein the unprocessed imageis accessible to an agent associated with the apparatus and is notaccessible to a user of an account associated with the check; processingthe unprocessed image to create a processed image; storing the processedimage, wherein the processed image is accessible to the agent and is notaccessible to the user.

In some embodiments, a computer program product is provided for enablingaccess to an image of a check. The computer program product comprises anon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code causing acomputer to: receive an unprocessed image of a check; store theunprocessed image, wherein the unprocessed image is accessible to anagent associated with the apparatus and is not accessible to a user ofan account associated with the check; process the unprocessed image tocreate a processed image; store the processed image, wherein theprocessed image is accessible to the agent and is not accessible to theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a general process flow for thecomplete system of receiving, processing, storing, and generating animage of a check, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating technical components of a systemfor storing an image of a check, enabling access to an image of a check,and processing at least one request to retrieve an image of a firstcheck and a second check, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary check image that is to be retrieved bythe user input system and processed by the system from which checkinformation is collected, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary datastore for storing the checkinformation, in accordance with the embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary check image that is to be generated bythe system based on the stored check information, in accordance with theembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a general process flow for storing animage of a check, in accordance with the embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a general process flow for enablingaccess to an image of a check, in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a general process flow for processingat least one request to retrieve an image of a first check and a secondcheck, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary user interface for storing an image of acheck, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary user interface for enabling access toan image of a check, in accordance with the embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary user interface for viewing informationfrom the image of a check, in accordance with the embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary user interface for processing at leastone request to retrieve an image of a first check and a second check, inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention now may be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theinvention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods andcomputer program products for retrieving, capturing, storing,duplicating, modifying, and recalling image of the checks, in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, an “entity” as used herein may be a financialinstitution. For the purposes of this invention, a “financialinstitution” may be defined as any organization, entity, or the like inthe business of moving, investing, or lending money, dealing infinancial instruments, or providing financial services. This may includecommercial banks, thrifts, federal and state savings banks, savings andloan associations, credit unions, investment companies, insurancecompanies and the like. In some embodiments, the entity may allow a userto establish an account with the entity. An “account” may be therelationship that the user has with the entity. Examples of accountsinclude a deposit account, such as a transactional account (e.g., abanking account), a savings account, an investment account, a moneymarket account, a time deposit, a demand deposit, a pre-paid account, acredit account, a non-monetary user profile that includes only personalinformation associated with the user, or the like. The account isassociated with and/or maintained by an entity. In other embodiments, an“entity” may not be a financial institution.

In some embodiments, the “user” may be a customer (e.g., an accountholder or a person who has an account (e.g., banking account, creditaccount, or the like) at the entity). The user may also be an agent(customer service representative, internal operations specialist, bankteller, account manager, or the like) associated with the entity.

As used herein, a “check” may also refer to a myriad of financialdocuments, including but not limited to a lease document, a mortgagedocument, a deposit slip, a payment coupon, a receipt, or the like. Insome embodiments, the check may exist as a physical item printed onpaper or other medium. In other embodiments, the check may existelectronically.

The present invention is centered on check imaging technology with apurpose of saving storage space in the archive of an entity (e.g., afinancial institution). Currently, an entity's check imaging system mayreceive an image of a check at a high resolution (200 dots per inch(DPI)) and may store the image in the archive at this resolution for amandated period of seven years. However, regulations may not requirethat the archived image be of this high resolution. To save storagespace in the archive, the present invention may capture pieces of thecheck information by processing the image of the check and then storethe various pieces of the check information as either text or smallerhigh resolution (or low resolution) images. The pieces of checkinformation may then be retrieved individually or in bulk by anapparatus to generate a second image of the check. Furthermore, thepresent invention may create a thumbnail version of the image of thecheck at a lower resolution and store said thumbnail version of theimage of the check in the archive for seven years in lieu of storing thehigh resolution image of the check. A check is an example of a documentthat may be captured or processed in this invention. As used herein, a“check” may also refer to a myriad of financial documents, including butnot limited to a lease document, a mortgage document, a deposit slip, apayment coupon, a receipt, or the like. In some embodiments, the checkmay exist as a physical item printed on paper or other medium. In otherembodiments, the check may exist electronically.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 presents a general process flow 100, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. At block 110, themethod comprises receiving an image of a check. In some embodiments, theimage of the check may be received by an apparatus (e.g. a computersystem) via a user's mobile device, a camera, an Automated TellerMachine (ATM) at one of the entity's facilities, a second apparatus at ateller's station, or the like. In other embodiments, the apparatus maybe configured to capture the image of the check. An example of anapparatus that performs block 110 is the user input system 240 in FIG.2.

At block 120, the method comprises processing the image of the check tocollect check information. After the successful retrieval or capture ofthe image of the check, the apparatus may process the image of thecheck. The apparatus may capture individual pieces of check informationfrom the image of the check. In some embodiments, the check informationmay be text. In other embodiments, the check information may be animage. Further processing enables the apparatus to create a thumbnailversion (a resized smaller version) of the image of the check at a lowerresolution. In some embodiments, the thumbnail version of the image ofthe check may be created substantially simultaneously to the capture ofthe image of the check. An example of the apparatus that performs block120 is the system 230 in FIG. 2.

At block 130, the method comprises storing the check information. Afterthe image of the check is processed, the apparatus may store thecollected check information. In some embodiments, the individual piecesof check information may be stored separately, and may be associatedwith each other via data or metadata. In some embodiments, theindividual pieces of check information may be stored together. In someembodiments, the apparatus may additionally store the original image ofthe check immediately after the image of the check is received. Becausethe original high resolution image of the check must be held in storagefor a 90 day period, the high resolution image of the check may bedeleted 90 days (or any time thereafter) following its capture. In someembodiments, the apparatus may additionally store the thumbnail versionof the image of the check. The entity may reserve the right to determinehow to process and/or how long to store the check information, image ofthe check, and/or the thumbnail version of the check. An example of theapparatus that performs block 130 is the system 230 in FIG. 2.

At block 140, the method comprises generating a second image of thecheck, based on the check information. If the user wishes to view theimage of the check, the apparatus may generate a second image of thecheck based on the stored check information (text, images, or the like).In some embodiments, pieces of the check information may be requestedindividually. In these embodiments, pieces of the check information maybe delivered individually based on the user's request. For example, ifthe user wishes to view just the check number, the apparatus may deliverto the user just the check number, not the entire image of the check. Inother embodiments, multiple pieces of the check information may beretrieved. For example, if the user wishes to view an image of theentire check, the apparatus may retrieve multiple pieces of checkinformation and produce for the user an image of the check. In someembodiments, the generated image of the check may accurately present thestored check information on a standard template (e.g. a check with ablank or plain background). Furthermore, utilizing a grayscale formatwhen storing and generating the image of the check may require lessstorage space than storing and generating a detailed, colored backgroundof the check. The entity may reserve the right to determine the designor style of the check template.

Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 presents an exemplary block diagram ofthe system environment 200 for implementing the process flow describedin FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Asillustrated, the system environment 200 includes a network 210, a system230, and a user input system 240. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a user 245 ofthe user input system 240. The user input system 240 may be a mobiledevice described herein. The user 245 may be a person who uses the userinput system 240 to execute a user application 247. The user application247 may be an application to communicate with the system 230, perform atransaction, input information onto a user interface presented on theuser input system 240, or the like. The user application 247 and/or thesystem application 237 may incorporate one or more parts of any processflow described herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, the system 230, and the user input system 240 areeach operatively and selectively connected to the network 210, which mayinclude one or more separate networks. In addition, the network 210 mayinclude a telecommunication network, local area network (LAN), a widearea network (WAN), and/or a global area network (GAN), such as theInternet. It will also be understood that the network 210 may be secureand/or unsecure and may also include wireless and/or wireline and/oroptical interconnection technology.

The user input system 240 may include any computerized apparatus thatcan be configured to perform any one or more of the functions of theuser input system 240 described and/or contemplated herein. For example,the user 245 may use the user input system 240 to transmit and/orreceive information or commands to and from the system 230. In someembodiments, for example, the user input system 240 may include apersonal computer system, a mobile computing device, a personal digitalassistant, a mobile phone, a tablet computing device, a network device,an ATM, a bank teller's equipment, and/or the like. As illustrated inFIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention,the user input system 240 includes a communication interface 242, aprocessor 244, a memory 246 having an user application 247 storedtherein, and a user interface 249. In such embodiments, thecommunication interface 242 is operatively and selectively connected tothe processor 244, which is operatively and selectively connected to theuser interface 249 and the memory 246. In some embodiments, the user 245may use the user application 247 to execute processes described withrespect to the process flows described herein. Specifically, the userapplication 247 executes the process flow described in FIG. 1, as wellas any other process flow described herein.

Each communication interface described herein, including thecommunication interface 242, generally includes hardware, and, in someinstances, software, that enables the user input system 240, totransport, send, receive, and/or otherwise communicate information toand/or from the communication interface of one or more other systems onthe network 210. For example, the communication interface 242 of theuser input system 240 may include a wireless transceiver, modem, server,electrical connection, and/or other electronic device that operativelyconnects the user input system 240 to another system such as the system230. The wireless transceiver may include a radio circuit to enablewireless transmission and reception of information. Additionally, theuser input system 240 may include a positioning system. The positioningsystem (e.g., a global positing system GPS) may enable at least one ofthe user input system 240 or an external server or computing device incommunication with the user input system 240 to determine the location(e.g., location coordinates) of the user input system 240.

Each processor described herein, including the processor 244, generallyincludes circuitry for implementing the audio, visual, and/or logicfunctions of the user input system 240. For example, the processor mayinclude a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, andvarious analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, andother support circuits. Control and signal processing functions of thesystem in which the processor resides may be allocated between thesedevices according to their respective capabilities. The processor mayalso include functionality to operate one or more software programsbased at least partially on computer-executable program code portionsthereof, which may be stored, for example, in a memory device, such asin the user application 247 of the memory 246 of the user input system240.

Each memory device described herein, including the memory 246 forstoring the user application 247 and other information, may include anycomputer-readable medium. For example, memory may include volatilememory, such as volatile random access memory (RAM) having a cache areafor the temporary storage of information. Memory may also includenon-volatile memory, which may be embedded and/or may be removable. Thenon-volatile memory may additionally or alternatively include an EEPROM,flash memory, and/or the like. The memory may store any one or more ofpieces of information and data used by the system in which it resides toimplement the functions of that system.

As shown in FIG. 2, the memory 246 includes the user application 247. Insome embodiments, the user application 247 includes an interface forcommunicating with, navigating, controlling, configuring, and/or usingthe user input system 240. In some embodiments, the user application 247includes computer-executable program code portions for instructing theprocessor 244 to perform one or more of the functions of the userapplication 247 described and/or contemplated herein. In someembodiments, the user application 247 may include and/or use one or morenetwork and/or system communication protocols. In some embodiments, theuser application 247 may be associated with a mobile device, wherein themobile device executes a check deposit application. In some embodiments,the user application 247 may be associated with an ATM at one of theentity's facilities. Thus, the ATM may include a check imaging systemwherein the check imaging system captures an image of the check.Following successful capture of the image of the check, the ATM maytransmit the image to the system 230 for processing, storage, generationof an image of the check, or the like. In other embodiments, the userapplication 247 may interact with a bank teller, his equipment, a kioskin the entity's facility, or the like associated with the entity.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is the user interface 249. In some embodiments, theuser interface 249 includes one or more output devices, such as adisplay and/or speaker, for presenting information to the user 245. Insome embodiments, the user interface 249 includes one or more inputdevices, such as one or more buttons, keys, dials, levers, directionalpads, joysticks, accelerometers, controllers, microphones, touchpads,touchscreens, haptic interfaces, microphones, scanners, motiondetectors, cameras, and/or the like for receiving information from theuser 245. In some embodiments, the user interface 249 includes the inputand display devices of a mobile device, which are operable to receiveand display information.

FIG. 2 also illustrates a system 230, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. The system 230 may include any computerizedapparatus that can be configured to perform any one or more of thefunctions of the system 230 described and/or contemplated herein. Inaccordance with some embodiments, for example, the system 230 mayinclude a computer network, an engine, a platform, a server, a databasesystem, a front end system, a back end system, a personal computersystem, and/or the like. Therefore, the system 230 may be a servermanaged by the entity. The system 230 may be located at the facilityassociated with the entity or remotely from the facility associated withthe entity. In some embodiments, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 2,the system 230 includes a communication interface 232, a processor 234,and a memory 236, which includes a system application 237 and adatastore 238 stored therein. As shown, the communication interface 232is operatively and selectively connected to the processor 234, which isoperatively and selectively connected to the memory 236.

It will be understood that the system application 237 may be configuredto implement any one or more portions of the various user interfacesand/or process flow described herein. The system application 237 mayinteract with the user application 247. It will also be understood that,in some embodiments, the memory includes other applications. It willalso be understood that, in some embodiments, the system application 237is configured to communicate with the datastore 238, the user inputsystem 240, or the like.

It will be further understood that, in some embodiments, the systemapplication 237 includes computer-executable program code portions forinstructing the processor 234 to perform any one or more of thefunctions of the system application 237 described and/or contemplatedherein. In some embodiments, the system application 237 may includeand/or use one or more network and/or system communication protocols. Insome embodiments, the system application 237 may include the processingof the image of Check 1 300 from which the system 230 may collect checkinformation.

In addition to the system application 237, the memory 236 also includesthe datastore 238. As used herein, the datastore 238 may be one or moredistinct and/or remote datastores. In some embodiments, the datastore238 is not located within the system and is instead located remotelyfrom the system. In some embodiments, the datastore 238 storesinformation or data described herein. For example, the datastore 238 maystore information associated with the user's account, check information,or the like. Further, the datastore 238 may comprise an archive,temporary storage locations, or the like.

It will be understood that the datastore 238 may include any one or morestorage devices, including, but not limited to, datastores, databases,and/or any of the other storage devices typically associated with acomputer system. It will also be understood that the datastore 238 maystore information in any known way, such as, for example, by using oneor more computer codes and/or languages, alphanumeric character strings,data sets, figures, tables, charts, links, documents, and/or the like.Further, in some embodiments, the datastore 238 may include informationassociated with one or more applications, such as, for example, thesystem application 237. It will also be understood that, in someembodiments, the datastore 238 provides a substantially real-timerepresentation of the information stored therein, so that, for example,when the processor 234 accesses the datastore 238, the informationstored therein is current or substantially current. FIG. 4 expresses thedatastore 238 and its contents in more detail.

FIG. 2 also shows two images of checks that interact with the systemenvironment 200. The image of Check 1 300 may be the image of the checkthat is received by the user input system 240. The user input system 240may collect the check information from the image of Check 1 300. Theimage of Check 2 500 may be the image of the check that is generated bythe system 230. The image of Check 2 500 may be generated based on thecheck information stored in the datastore 238. Both images of Check 1300 and Check 2 500 may include an image of the entire check, athumbnail version of the image of the check, individual pieces of checkinformation, or the like.

It will be understood that the embodiment of the system environmentillustrated in FIG. 2 is exemplary and that other embodiments may vary.As another example, in some embodiments, the system 230 includes more,less, or different components. As another example, in some embodiments,some or all of the portions of the system environment 200 may becombined into a single portion. Likewise, in some embodiments, some orall of the portions of the system 230 may be separated into two or moredistinct portions.

In addition, the various portions of the system environment 200 may bemaintained for and/or by the same or separate parties. It will also beunderstood that the system 230 may include and/or implement anyembodiment of the present invention described and/or contemplatedherein. For example, in some embodiments, the system 230 is configuredto implement any one or more of the embodiments of the process flowsdescribed and/or contemplated herein in connection any process flowdescribed herein. Additionally, the system 230 or the user input system240 is configured to initiate presentation of any of the user interfacesdescribed herein. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, theterm “module” with respect to a system may refer to a hardware componentof the system, a software component of the system, or a component of thesystem that includes both hardware and software. As used herein, amodule may include one or more modules, where each module may reside inseparate pieces of hardware or software. As used herein, an apparatusmay refer to at least one of the user input system 240 or the system230.

Now referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary image of Check1 300, the image of the check received by the user input system 240. Theimage of Check 1 300 may comprise an image of the entire check, athumbnail version of the image of the check, individual pieces of checkinformation, or the like. Check 1 300 comprises check information,wherein the check information comprises contact information 305, thepayee 310, the memo description 315, the account number and routingnumber 320 associated with the appropriate user or customer account, thedate 325, the check number 330, the amount of the check 335, thesignature 340, or the like. In some embodiments, the check informationmay comprise text. In other embodiments, the check information maycomprise an image. The user input system 240 may capture an image ofCheck 1 300 and transmit the image to the system 230 via a network. Thesystem 230 may collect the check information from the image of Check 1300 and store the check information in the datastore 238. In someembodiments, the pieces of check information may be stored in thedatastore 238 individually. In other embodiments, multiple pieces ofcheck information may be stored in the datastore 238 together. In someembodiments, the pieces of check information may be stored in thedatastore 238 immediately following the capture of the image of Check 1300. In other embodiments, the pieces of check information may be storedin the datastore 238 at a predetermined point in time after the image ofCheck 1 300 has been captured. The entity may reserve the right todetermine the point in time in which the check information is stored inthe datastore 238. In some embodiments, the check information may becaptured or stored in the datastore 238 at a lower resolution than theoriginal image of the check. In other embodiments, the check informationmay be captured or stored in the datastore 238 at a higher resolutionthan the original image of the check. In some embodiments, the checkinformation may be captured or stored in the datastore 238 at a reducedsize. In other embodiments, the check information may be captured orstored in the datastore 238 at an increased size.

Now referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the datastore238. The system 230 may store the pieces of check information of theprocessed check in one or more datastores 238. In some embodiments, adatastore 238 may comprise at least one element of check information formultiple checks. For example, a datastore 238 may include check numbers(or payee names, check amounts, check dates, signatures, or the like)for multiple checks. In other embodiments, multiple checks may share asingle datastore 238 for the storage of their check information. Items410, 420, 430, and 440 represent categories of check information in thedatastore 238. For example, categories of check information may includebut are not limited to the check number, the payee, the amount of thecheck, the memo description, the contact information, the date, thesignature, the account number and routing number, or the like. Further,associated pieces of check information for a single check may be linkedwith one another using data or metadata. For example, check number 0001and payee name 0001 may be associated with each other for ease ofaccess.

Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates the image of Check 2 500.The image of Check 2 500 comprises an image of the entire check, athumbnail version of the image of the check, individual pieces of checkinformation, or the like. The system 230 may retrieve the pieces ofcheck information to generate a new image of Check 2 500. In someembodiments, the retrieved pieces of check information may be presentedin the image of Check 2 500 at a lower resolution than the originalimage of the check. In other embodiments, the check information may bepresented in the image of Check 2 500 at a higher resolution than theoriginal image of the check. In some embodiments, the check informationmay be presented in the image of Check 2 500 at a reduced size. In otherembodiments, the check information may be presented in the image ofCheck 2 500 at an increased size. Check 2 500 may comprise checkinformation, wherein the check information may comprise contactinformation 505, the payee 510, the memo description 515, the accountnumber and routing number 520 associated with the appropriate user orcustomer account, the date 525, the check number 530, the amount of thecheck 535, the signature 540, or the like.

The present invention may enable an apparatus (e.g. a computer system)associated with the entity to retrieve, capture, store, and recallinformation from the check. However, rather than capturing, storing, andrecalling one image of the entire check, the present invention presentsnovel ways in which the apparatus captures and stores only the pieces ofthe necessary information (including but not limited to the payee, theamount, the memo, the date, the signature, or the like) that are neededto positively identify the transaction. This information may becollected, combined, or displayed to recreate the original image of thecheck without using as much storage space as capturing one image of theentire check.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may physically capture the image ofthe check. The apparatus may include a camera or a digital imagecapturing function to obtain the image of the check. In someembodiments, the image of the check may be captured by the user's mobiledevice (smart phone, laptop, webcam, tablet, or the like). A cameraembedded into the mobile device may capture the image of the check,wherein the mobile device may transmit to the apparatus the image of thecheck. Thus, the apparatus may involve image retrieval functions ortechnologies to accept the image of the check from a mobile device. Inother embodiments, the image of the check may be captured by a computingdevice associated with one of the entity's facilities (an ATM, a bankteller's workstation, or the like), wherein the image of the check maybe transmitted to and retrieved by the apparatus.

Current regulations of the financial industry require all images ofchecks to be captured at a minimum resolution level of 200 dots per inch(DPI). By regulation, these images of checks must be held at a minimumresolution level of 200 DPI for a minimum period of ninety days.Furthermore, all images of checks must be maintained in an archive(datastore, database, memory, server space, or the like) for a minimumperiod of seven years. The required resolution of the archived image ofthe check may be undeclared. Storing images of checks at a resolution ofat least 200 DPI may require a lot of storage space in the archive.Furthermore, in some embodiments, duplicate images of the same check atthis resolution may currently exist in multiple locations in thearchive. The present invention introduces a more efficient method ofcapturing, storing, and recalling image of the checks for both theninety-day required period and the seven-year required period.

To comply with these regulations, the apparatus may first capture animage of the entire check. The image of the check may be captured by theapparatus at a minimum resolution of 200 DPI. In some embodiments, theimage of the check may be kept for a minimum of ninety days to ensurecompliance with the above regulations. In some embodiments, the image ofthe check may be moved, modified, deleted, or the like after theninety-day period is completed. Hence, the space in storage that theimage of the check was occupying may now be allocated by the apparatusfor other purposes or processes. Thus, deletion of the image of thecheck may ensure maximum efficiency of storage space. To further complywith the regulations, deletion of the image of the check may alsorequire that a copy of the image of the check is stored in the archive.In other embodiments, the image of the check may be kept for longer thanninety days. The entity may reserve the right to determine the period oftime that the image of the check may be kept in storage.

In some embodiments, the image of the check may be processed or modifiedby the apparatus for specific purposes. In some embodiments, the imageof the check may be stored in a temporary location (a cache, proxy, orthe like) for ease of modification, deletion, transportation, or thelike. In other embodiments, after capture, the image of the check may bestored in the apparatus, the archive, or the like.

Processing the image of the entire check may enable the apparatus tosplit check information into individual pieces of check information ofvarying formats. In some embodiments, the check information may comprisesmaller images. An example of a smaller image may be the signature onthe check. Because the area including and surrounding the signature issmaller than the entire check, the smaller image may require less spacein storage or in the archive. Thus, storing the smaller image in thearchive thus may prove to be more economical than storing an image ofthe entire check. Furthermore, because the pieces of check informationmay be smaller in size, the apparatus may be able to capture the piecesof check information at a higher resolution without using more storagespace. This may enable zooming or a higher image quality when viewingthe pieces of check information. In other embodiments, the checkinformation may comprise text. An example of textual check informationmay include but is not limited to the check number, payee name, theamount, the date, the contact information, the account number, therouting number, the memo, or the like. Thus, the text may be transformedinto data or metadata that is consistent with the entity's existingnomenclature protocols. Using text in lieu of an image may require lessspace in storage or in an archive and thus may be more economical.

Furthermore, the smaller pieces of information may be accessible to theuser or the agent associated with the apparatus. An example may be ifthe user wishes to verify the signature of a recently written check.Previously, the user may have had to locate the check by a check numberor date. Upon finding the correct check, the user may have had to viewthe entire check with the signature existing at a low resolution.Instead, the present invention may enable the user to search a databaseof text fields or entries based on a much more specific spectrum ofcriteria, including individual pieces of check information, such as thesignature. Another example may be if the agent needs to edit pieces ofcheck information, clean up the image of the check or the thumbnailversion of the image of the check, or the like. In some embodiments, thesignature (or any other piece of individual information) may be viewedindependently of the entire image of the check.

The apparatus may use the pieces of information gathered from the imageof the check to recreate the original image of the check. The apparatusmay utilize a template to recreate the image of the check. In someembodiments, the recreated image of the check may match the originalimage of the check. In other embodiments, the recreated image of thecheck may not match the original image of the check in appearance, butthe information may be identical. In some embodiments, the apparatus mayrecreate the image of the check with smaller images from the originalcheck. In some embodiments, the apparatus may recreate the image of thecheck with text corresponding to data on the original check. In otherembodiments, the apparatus may recreate the image of the check with acombination of smaller images and text.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may create a copy of the image of thecheck at the point in time that the image of the check is captured orreceived by the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus may createa copy of the image of the check after the point in time that the imageof the check is captured. The entity may reserve the right to determinethe time delay between capturing or receiving the image of the check andcreating the copy of the image of the check. In some embodiments, theapparatus may copy the image of the check at the same resolution as theoriginal image of the check. In other embodiments, the apparatus mayreduce the size of the image of the check to a lower resolution. Theentity may reserve the right to determine the appropriate DPI value ofthe lower resolution copy. The lower resolution or resized copy of theimage of the check may be referred to as a “thumbnail.” In someembodiments, the thumbnail version of the image of the check may be asmaller dimension version of the image of the check, a larger dimensionversion of the image of the check, a lower resolution version of theimage of the check, or a higher resolution version of the image of thecheck. Storing in the archive the thumbnail version of the check mayrequire less space (and therefore money).

In some embodiments, the apparatus may store in the archives thethumbnail version of the image of the check as opposed to the 200 DPIversion of the image of the check for the mandated seven-year period.Furthermore, the stored thumbnail may fulfill the regulatoryrequirements. In other embodiments, the apparatus may determine that the200 DPI version of the image of the check is to be saved in the archivesfor the seven year period.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may copy the data or metadataassociated with the image of the check and assign the data or metadatato the thumbnail version of the image of the check. In some embodiments,the copied data or metadata may match the information associated withthe original check. In other embodiments, the data or metadata that iscopied from the original image of the check may be modified. In someembodiments, the thumbnail may require less data or metadata than theoriginal image of the check to be appropriately indexed by theapparatus. In other embodiments, the thumbnail may require the same dataor metadata as the original image of the check to be appropriatelyindexed by the apparatus. In alternate embodiments, the apparatus mayassociate two thumbnail versions of images of two checks using data ormetadata.

The apparatus may associate the original image of the check with thenewly created thumbnail version of the image of the check. Anassociation between the two images may enable the user to link the twoimages together, easily find one from the other, replace on with theother, or the like. In some embodiments, a limited amount of data ormetadata may be used to associate the two images. For example, theassociated data or metadata may identify the high resolution image ofthe check with the corresponding thumbnail version of the image of thecheck. In other embodiments, the original image of the check and thethumbnail version of the image of the check may refer to the same indexin the archives.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may be able to restore the thumbnailversion of the image of the check to the original image of the check'sresolution of 200 DPI (or higher). The restored image of the check mayallow the user to view the image of the check in higher quality or on abigger screen. For example, if the user needs a 200 DPI version of theimage of the check and one does not exist in the archive, the apparatusmay utilize the thumbnail version of the image of the check of a lowerresolution to create a 200 DPI version of the image of the check. Inother embodiments, the apparatus may not need to restore the thumbnailto a higher resolution.

At the point in time that the image of the check is captured, theapparatus may store the image of the check or thumbnail in the archivesof images, data, or metadata. In some embodiments, the apparatus maystore the image of the check at the point of capture. In someembodiments, the apparatus may store the thumbnail immediately after thethumbnail is created. In some embodiments, the apparatus may store theimage of the check at a time after the image of the check is captured.In some embodiments, the apparatus may store the thumbnail at a timeafter the thumbnail is created. The entity may reserve the right todetermine the amount of time that the apparatus must wait until it maystore in the archives the image of the check or thumbnail.

The current check imaging system may take up to three business days forthe image of the check to be stored in the archive and thus deemedaccessible. Based on the current system, the image of the check may onlybe stored in the archive after successfully undergoing perfectionprocessing, a three-day process in which the image of the check isexamined for information accuracy, quality, or the like. Duringperfection processing, the image of the check may be treated ormanipulated according to the user's requests. For example, perfectionprocessing may resize or improve the resolution of the entire image ofthe check or individual pieces of check information. The presentinvention may reduce the duration of perfection processing for a varietyof reasons. In some embodiments, internal operations may need to accessthe archived image of the check to correct the check's information ormanually modify the image of the check. By storing the image of thecheck in the archives at the point of capture, the present invention mayenable internal operations to access the stored image of the check whilethe image of the check undergoes perfection processing. In otherembodiments, advancements in technology may execute perfectionprocessing with higher accuracy and a quicker turnaround time than whenperfection processing was originally designed.

When the apparatus stores the image of the check (or thumbnail versionof the image of the check) in the archives, the apparatus creates areference to the image of the check. This reference may enable the userto locate the image of the check, search for the image of the check,modify the image of the check, process the image of the check, view theimage of the check, view pieces of the image of the check, or executeany other type of function with the image of the check. The referencemay serve as an index for the image of the check and may link multipleimages of the same check together.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may utilize a sequence number (aninternal number used to identify the record in the archives associatedwith the image of the check) to identify the record that corresponds tothe image of the check in the archives. A sequence number may includebut is not limited to a 6-digit number that is unique to each businessday, data, metadata, the machine number that captured the image of thecheck, or the like. In other embodiments, a unique identification numbermay be assigned to the image of the check upon storage.

The purpose of creating a reference may be to provide the user with onepoint of reference for the image of the check, the thumbnail version ofthe image of the check, smaller images, or the associated data ormetadata. In some embodiments, different versions of the same image,such as the original image of the check and the thumbnail version of theimage of the check, may share the same reference in the archive. In someembodiments, different versions of images of the same check may bereferenced independently. In other embodiments, different versions ofimages of the same check may replace one another as references areupdated.

The user may have control of the archived image of the check, thethumbnail version of the image of the check, check information, smallerimages, or its associated data or metadata. Utilizing the archivereferences may enable the user to easily control, modify, view,transport, or delete the image of the check (or its associated formatsand check information). In some embodiments, the apparatus may presentto the user a menu of control options with which to interact with theimage of the check. In some embodiments, user authentication may berequired to access the reference of images. For example, if the userwishes to access the image of the check in his customer account, theuser may be prompted to enter a password, a personal identificationnumber (PIN), an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI)number, an answer to a security question, or the like. In otherembodiments, user authentication may not be required to access thereference of images.

Using the reference as an index to locate the image, the user may recallthe image of the check, the check information, or the thumbnail versionof the image of the check from the archives. In some embodiments, theapparatus may return to the user only one image of the check. Forexample, if the user wishes to view only one piece of information on acheck, such as a signature, the user may request to view only thesignature. The apparatus may then return to the user the image of thesignature. In other embodiments, multiple images of checks, checkinformation, or thumbnail versions of the images of checks may berequested and returned to the user as one document.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may automatically bundle multipleimages together. For example, the apparatus may enable computer-readablecode that determines user activity. User activity may be defined bypurchasing habits, location preferences, or the like. Based on useractivity, the apparatus may automatically determine which groupings ofimages may be requested most often by cross-referencing the detecteduser activity with a database (or other memory location) of customeraccounts, frequent transactions, security answers, or the like. Thus,the user may receive the information and images he demands without inputor selection. In other embodiments, the user may manually select anumber of images of checks to manipulate, execute, delete, or the likeand view them on one page. Examples include creating a report involvingmultiple images of checks, viewing a monthly statement that possessesmultiple thumbnails, or sorting multiple images of the checks by certaindata or metadata criteria. The apparatus's ability to transport multipleimages of checks may provide the entity with further storage costsavings.

The apparatus may create a document displaying the requested images ofchecks. In creating the document, the apparatus may resize or change theresolution of the image of the check, the thumbnail version of thecheck, individual pieces of check information, or the like. In someembodiments, the document may comprise images of entire checks. In someembodiments, multiple images of checks may be presented on the samedocument. For example, if the user requests all check images that weredrafted to a certain payee, on a certain date, over or under a certainamount, or the like, the apparatus may generate one document with therequested information. The document may be transmitted to a secondapparatus (a mobile device or other computing device) and presented tothe user.

In some embodiments, the document (including the comprised images andinformation) may be formatted to the specific type of device to whichthe apparatus transmits the document. For example, if the request forthe document originates from the user's mobile device, such as a cellphone, the document and included images and information may be resizedto fit on the smaller screen. In contrast, if the request for thedocument originates from the user's desktop computer with a largedisplay, the document and included images and information may be viewedat their original size and resolution, or even upscaled to a larger sizeand a higher resolution for more detailed viewing.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may determine the settings of theimage of check (or the thumbnail version of the image of the check)based on user preferences. For example, the user or the agent may accessthrough a menu of settings or preferences various selections for imageresolution, image size, length of storage, or the like. Furthermore, theuser may select from a list of categories which image of the check theuser wishes to view. For example, the user may select from categoriessuch as a payee name, a payee type, an amount on the check, a daterange, or the like. Based on user input from this selection menu, theapparatus may appropriately resize, store, and recall the image of thecheck. In alternate embodiments, the apparatus may autonomouslydetermine the settings of the image of the check. For example, theapparatus may interpret image preferences or settings based on useractivity. Based on the user activity the apparatus may assign the userinto the appropriate category of users or user segments. The appropriatecategory of users or user segments may enable the apparatus to predictand assign the correct settings to the image of the check or the user'saccount with a degree of accuracy.

During processing of the image of the check, the apparatus may restrictaccess to the user. The apparatus may grant the user access to the imageof the check once the apparatus posts the image of the check to theuser's account. In some embodiments, the apparatus may group userstogether based on the status of their associated images of checks. Insome embodiments, the image of the check will be processed at thetransaction level, meaning substantially simultaneously to completingthe transaction. In other embodiments, the apparatus may group togethermultiple images of checks for processing in bulk.

The apparatus may prompt the user for authentication in order toretrieve the image of the check after processing of the image of thecheck has completed. In some embodiments, the image of the check may beaccessible by the agent during processing of the image of the check. Insome embodiments, the agent may be granted access to images of checksfrom a first set of user accounts, while the agent may not be granted toimages of checks from a second set of user accounts. In someembodiments, the apparatus may require additional security measures toenable access for the agent. In some embodiments, the security measuresfor the agent may be similar to the security measures for the user. Insome embodiments, the security measures for the agent may differ fromthe security measures for the user. For example, the agent may beprompted to enter an employee number, a badge number, or similarproprietary identification information related to the entity.

When the apparatus creates a document with at least one image of atleast one check, the apparatus may store the document in the archive(e.g., a datastore). In some embodiments, the apparatus may store thedocument in the archive substantially simultaneously to generating thedocument. In other embodiments, the apparatus may store the document inthe archive at a predetermined time after the document is generated. Theentity may reserve the right to determine the length of time after whichthe document may be stored. The document may comprises check images(either processed or unprocessed images) associated with at least oneuser or multiple users.

The agent or the user may request the document in a variety of formats,including a portable document format (PDF), an image, text, links to webpages, or the like. Based on a variety of user activity or userpreferences, the apparatus may be configured to learn the user habits orpreferences. Based on an understanding of these user habits,preferences, or activity (which may be determined based on the historyof retrieval requests, settings, or the like), the apparatus maydetermine an optimal storage location based on how often the documentmay be retrieved. For example, the apparatus may allocate its beststorage resources to the document if it is determined to be retrieved ata high frequency or by a high priority of users. The apparatus may storethe document with multiple images of checks based on retrieval requests,a type of payee, a name of payee, a country of transaction, an amount, atransaction date, a memo description, user settings, user activity overa predetermined period of time, a type of check, or the like. In someembodiments, the user may determine the size to which the image of thecheck is resized, the size at which the image of the check is stored,the resolution to which the image of the check is resized, or theresolution at which the image of the check is stored.

In some embodiments, the apparatus receives a user preference forgenerating a document of check images, wherein the generated document isstored in a storage medium that enables quicker access. In otherembodiments, the apparatus determines a user preference based on useractivity over a period of time. The user preference may include at leastone of a type of payee, a name of payee, a country of transaction, anamount, a transaction date, a memo description, a type of check (e.g., apersonal check, a certified check, a pay check, or the like), or thelike. As used herein, a document may comprise any type ofcomputer-readable file.

In some embodiments, the document's storage location may be determinedbased on user preferences. User preferences may be selected manually bythe user or gathered automatically by the apparatus based on useractivity and user habits.

The apparatus's functionality may depend on network connectivity,network speeds, network congestion, signal interference, or the like. Insome embodiments, unexpected errors may occur during normalinstallation, operation, or transactions. Potential errors may includebut are not limited to run time errors, network connectivity errors,slow network speed errors, network congestion, poor reception, signalinterference, dropped packets of information, or the like.

The apparatus provides or hosts a digital financial service applicationfor mobile device users. Within the application, transactions mayinclude but are not limited to check deposits, fund withdrawals, accountsummaries, fund deposits, fund transfers, service requests, creating anaccount, closing an account, contacting a service assistant, or thelike. The apparatus may be created to save the user time and hassle whenstarting the application and executing financial transactions.

The apparatus interacts with a mobile device that exists as a means ofcommunication between the user and the entity. In some embodiments, themobile device may be a handheld computing device (laptop, personaldigital assistant (PDA), cell phone, smart phone, tablet, mp3 player,chip, or any other electronic device). In other embodiments, the mobiledevice may be a computer processor (or similar electronic component)that is embedded in existing systems. FIG. 2 may present a more detailedoverview of the communication system of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 a general process flow 600 is providedfor storing an image of a check. At block 610, the method comprisesreceiving an image of a check. At block 620, the method comprisesgenerating a thumbnail version of the image, wherein the thumbnailversion of the image is generated immediately after receiving the image.At block 630, the method comprises linking the image with the thumbnailversion of the image. At block 640, the method comprises storing theimage and the thumbnail version of the image, wherein the thumbnailversion of the image is stored for a longer period of time than theimage.

Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 a general process flow 700 is providedfor enabling access to an image of a check. At block 710, the methodcomprises receiving an unprocessed image of a check. At block 720, themethod comprises storing the unprocessed image, wherein the unprocessedimage is accessible to an agent associated with the apparatus and is notaccessible to a user of an account associated with the check. At block730, the method comprises processing the unprocessed image. At block740, the method comprises storing the processed image, wherein theprocessed image is accessible to the agent and is not accessible to theuser.

Referring now to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 a general process flow 800 is providedfor processing at least one request to retrieve an image of a firstcheck and a second check. At block 810, the method comprises receiving,from a second apparatus, at least one request to retrieve an image of afirst check and a second check. At block 820, the method comprisesretrieving a first thumbnail version of the image of the first check. Atblock 830, the method comprises retrieving a second thumbnail version ofthe image of the second check. At block 840, the method comprisesgenerating a document comprising the first thumbnail version and thesecond thumbnail version. At block 850, the method comprisestransmitting the document to the second apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 9, FIG. 9 presents an exemplary user interface, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention. The user interfacemay be presented on the user's mobile device when the user wishes toaccess to an image of the check. A menu may be presented to the userwhich allows the user to select several viewing options. If the userwishes to view the higher resolution image of the check, the user mayselect the ‘View Image of the check’ 910 tab. This tab may present tothe user's mobile device the image of the check. The apparatus mayenable zooming in and out on the image of the check. If the user wishesto create a thumbnail version of the image, the user may select the‘Create Thumbnail’ 920 tab. This tab may generate a lower resolutioncopy of the image of the check, which may be stored in the archives.Selecting the ‘View Check Information’ 930 tab may present to the user amenu of check information to be viewed either independently or as abundled group. FIG. 11 presents a more detailed user interface forviewing check information. If the user wishes to store the image of thecheck, the user may select the ‘Store Image of the check’ 940 tab. Thistab may present to the user a menu that enables the user to store theimage of the check in the proper location. A more thorough explanationof the ‘Store Image of the check’ 940 tab and associated menu ispresented in FIG. 10.

Referring now to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 presents an exemplary user interface,in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The user interfacemay be presented on the user's mobile device when the user wishes tostore an image of the check. The user may select the ‘Select Image ofthe check’ 1010 tab to select the image of the check from a menu. Theimage of the check may be a digital image of the check, individualpieces of check information (a signature, a payee, an amount, or thelike), the thumbnail version of the check, or the like. In someembodiments, more than one image of the check may be selected. Once theimage of the check is selected, the user may select the ‘Select StorageLocation’ 1020 tab. This tab enables the user to select from a menuwhere he stores the image of the check. For example, if the user wishesto store a high resolution image of the check, he may select to storethe image in a temporary storage location to save space in the archive.Conversely, if the user wishes to store a thumbnail version of theimage, the user may select to store the thumbnail version of the imagein the archives. Once the image of the check storage location isselected, the user may select the ‘Select Storage Time’ 1030 tab. Thistab enables the user to select from a menu for how long the image willbe stored. For example, if the user wishes to save the thumbnail versionof the image in the archive for the mandated seven year period, then theuser would select seven years in the ‘Select Storage Time’ 1030 tab. Ahigher resolution image may be stored for the mandated period of ninetydays.

Referring now to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 presents an exemplary user interface,in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The user interfacemay be presented on the user's mobile device when the user wishes toview the check information associated with the image of the check. Amenu may be presented to the user which allows the user to selectvarious pieces of information for viewing. Check information may bepresented as text or as an image. If the user wishes to view the date ofthe check, the user may select the ‘Date’ 1110 tab. If the user wishesto view the payee of the check, the user may select the ‘Payee’ 1120tab. If the user wishes to view the amount of the check, the user mayselect the ‘Amount’ 1130 tab. If the user wishes to view the signatureof the check, the user may select the ‘Signature’ 1140 tab. If the userwishes to view a full summary of check information, the user may selectthe ‘Full Summary’ 1150 tab. This tab may present to the user acombination of text and images that enable to view the check informationat a glance.

Referring now to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 presents an exemplary user interface,in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The user interfacemay be presented on the user's mobile device when the user wishes toretrieve thumbnail versions of the at least one image of the check. Amenu may be presented to the user which allows the user to select one ormore images, and then retrieve those images. The ‘Select Image 1’ 1210,‘Select Image 2’ 1220, and ‘Select Image 3’ 1230 tabs may present to theuser a menu to select the image. This menu may include options to selectthumbnail versions of the images of the checks. The ‘Retrieve Images’1240 tab enables the user to retrieve the selected images. In someembodiments, the apparatus may present multiple images on one document,thus allowing the user to quickly overview multiple image of the checksor thumbnail versions of the image of the checks. As used with respectto the figures described herein, a “mobile device” may refer to anycomputer device, including but not limited to portable or non-portabledevices.

Although many embodiments of the present invention have just beendescribed above, the present invention may be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Also, it will beunderstood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features,functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodimentsof the present invention described and/or contemplated herein may beincluded in any of the other embodiments of the present inventiondescribed and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition,where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein aremeant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unlessexplicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or “an”shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is alsoused herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art in view ofthis disclosure, the present invention may include and/or be embodied asan apparatus (including, for example, a system, machine, device,computer program product, and/or the like), as a method (including, forexample, a business method, computer-implemented process, and/or thelike), or as any combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodimentsof the present invention may take the form of an entirely businessmethod embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,resident software, micro-code, stored procedures in a database, or thelike), an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combiningbusiness method, software, and hardware aspects that may generally bereferred to herein as a “system.” Furthermore, embodiments of thepresent invention may take the form of a computer program product thatincludes a computer-readable storage medium having one or morecomputer-executable program code portions stored therein. As usedherein, a processor, which may include one or more processors, may be“configured to” perform a certain function in a variety of ways,including, for example, by having one or more general-purpose circuitsperform the function by executing one or more computer-executableprogram code portions embodied in a computer-readable medium, and/or byhaving one or more application-specific circuits perform the function.

It will be understood that any suitable computer-readable medium may beutilized. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limitedto, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a tangibleelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/orsemiconductor system, device, and/or other apparatus. For example, insome embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes atangible medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a compact discread-only memory (CD-ROM), and/or some other tangible optical and/ormagnetic storage device. In other embodiments of the present invention,however, the computer-readable medium may be transitory, such as, forexample, a propagation signal including computer-executable program codeportions embodied therein.

One or more computer-executable program code portions for carrying outoperations of the present invention may include object-oriented,scripted, and/or unscripted programming languages, such as, for example,Java, Perl, Smalltalk, C++, SAS, SQL, Python, Objective C, JavaScript,and/or the like. In some embodiments, the one or morecomputer-executable program code portions for carrying out operations ofembodiments of the present invention are written in conventionalprocedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming languagesand/or similar programming languages. The computer program code mayalternatively or additionally be written in one or more multi-paradigmprogramming languages, such as, for example, F#.

Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of apparatusand/or methods. It will be understood that each block included in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and/or combinations ofblocks included in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams,may be implemented by one or more computer-executable program codeportions. These one or more computer-executable program code portionsmay be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, and/or some other programmable data processingapparatus in order to produce a particular machine, such that the one ormore computer-executable program code portions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer and/or other programmable data processingapparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the steps and/or functionsrepresented by the flowchart(s) and/or block diagram block(s).

The one or more computer-executable program code portions may be storedin a transitory and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g. amemory.) that can direct, instruct, and/or cause a computer and/or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the computer-executable program code portions storedin the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufactureincluding instruction mechanisms which implement the steps and/orfunctions specified in the flowchart(s) and/or block diagram block(s).

The one or more computer-executable program code portions may also beloaded onto a computer and/or other programmable data processingapparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on thecomputer and/or other programmable apparatus. In some embodiments, thisproduces a computer-implemented process such that the one or morecomputer-executable program code portions which execute on the computerand/or other programmable apparatus provide operational steps toimplement the steps specified in the flowchart(s) and/or the functionsspecified in the block diagram block(s). Alternatively,computer-implemented steps may be combined with, and/or replaced with,operator- and/or human-implemented steps in order to carry out anembodiment of the present invention.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other changes,combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition tothose set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, andcombinations of the just described embodiments can be configured withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it isto be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for enabling access to an image of acheck, the apparatus comprising: a memory; a processor; and a modulestored in the memory, executable by the processor, and configured to:receive an unprocessed image of a check; store the unprocessed image,wherein the unprocessed image is accessible to an agent associated withthe apparatus and is not accessible to a user of an account associatedwith the check; process the unprocessed image to create a processedimage; store the processed image, wherein the processed image isaccessible to the agent and is accessible to the user.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein receiving the unprocessed image further comprisescapturing the unprocessed image.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinprocessing the unprocessed image further comprises creating a thumbnailversion of the unprocessed image.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinprocessing the unprocessed image further comprises collecting checkinformation.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the check informationcomprises text or an image.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein themodule is further configured to store the check information in anarchive.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein processing the unprocessedimage further comprises processing the unprocessed image of the check inless than or equal to three days.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinprocessing the unprocessed image comprises at least one of: selectivelyprocessing individual pieces of check information associated with theunprocessed image based on each type of check information; processingmultiple pieces of check information associated with the unprocessedimage substantially simultaneously.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe module is further configured to enable the agent to edit individualpieces of check information associated with the unprocessed image duringthe processing of the unprocessed image.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the module is further configured to determine the authenticityof the user or the user's habits by cross-referencing the unprocessedimage with a database of customer accounts, frequent transactions, orsecurity answers.
 11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the module isfurther configured to enable editing of the check information.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein processing the unprocessed image furthercomprises treating the image.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein themodule is further configured to communicate with a second apparatus. 14.The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second apparatus includes atleast one of a mobile device, an offsite server, an internal server, anew memory location, a datastore, or an archive.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the module is further configured to create a referenceas an index for the stored image, wherein the reference functions as anindex to locate the stored image.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinthe reference comprises a sequence number or a unique identificationnumber.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein processing the unprocessedimage comprises resizing or changing a resolution of the unprocessedimage to create the processed image.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the module is further configured to associate the unprocessedimage with the processed image.
 19. A method for enabling access to animage of a check, the method comprising: receiving an unprocessed imageof a check; storing the unprocessed image, wherein the unprocessed imageis accessible to an agent associated with the apparatus and is notaccessible to a user of an account associated with the check; processingthe unprocessed image to create a processed image; storing the processedimage, wherein the processed image is accessible to the agent and is notaccessible to the user.
 20. A computer program product for enablingaccess to an image of a check, the computer program product comprising anon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code causing acomputer to: receive an unprocessed image of a check; store theunprocessed image, wherein the unprocessed image is accessible to anagent associated with the apparatus and is not accessible to a user ofan account associated with the check; process the unprocessed image tocreate a processed image; store the processed image, wherein theprocessed image is accessible to the agent and is not accessible to theuser.